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Baha’is at the leadership of the community, followed by a discussion
of the systematic destruction of Baha’i shrines and holy places in
Chapter Five, and Chapter Six sets forth the economic strangulation
of the Baha’i community. Chapter Seven discusses the new hidden
policy of persecution in the post-Khomeini era and Chapters Eight
and Nine consider the situation of Baha’is during the Khatami and
Ahmadinejad administrations respectively. Chapter Ten points to
the increase in anti-Baha’i hate propaganda and Chapter Eleven
explores the various teachings of eminent Ayatollahs including
Khomeini, Montazeri, and Khameini in relation to the Baha’is.
Finally, Chapter Twelve considers the recent outpouring of support
for Baha’is among Iranian leaders of thought and points to the
promise of the future.
Recent events leave no doubt that Iranian society is at a historical
turning point as a new and enlightened generation questions
traditional assumptions about what it means to be Iranian and what
our nation should aspire to become in the years ahead. Since the
persecution of Baha’is has been an integral aspect of an
authoritarian political culture built on hatred and conspiracy
theories, a better understanding of the plight of this community is
integral to building a different identity that embraces the rich
diversity of our country. It is hoped that this book will provide a
foundation for a meaningful dialogue and many more publications
in the years ahead as Iranians pursue the path of healing and
national reconciliation.
Fereydun Vahman
October 2010.